The cognitive and self-regulatory costs of switching between distinct identities

This proposed program of research utilizes cutting-edge theory and methodology in the study of identity switching and self-control (Hamilton et al., 2011) to examine academic motivation in a fundamentally novel way. I therefore aim to test whether the challenges faced by some low SES college students arise from self-control depletion, resulting from repeatedly switching between two poorly integrated identities that can be cued by the college context—their student and socioeconomic identities.